Successfully winning a car accident claim

Successfully winning a car accident claim

Successfully winning a car accident claim can depend on your actions after the crash. There are certain things you need to do that will help your injury attorney prove liability and win a fair compensation for your damages. Below is a short guide of what to do after you are involved in a car crash.
Stay Calm

Try to stay calm and get out of the car if you are able to. If you are badly injured stay in your car and wait for the ambulance. You will need to calmly collect information from the other party, such as their name, address, vehicle license number and name of their auto insurance agency.

Remain at the Accident Scene

It is not OK to leave the scene of an accident where there are injuries before the police arrive and question you. There are laws against fleeing an accident scene where someone has been injured.

Call 911

When someone is involved in a serious accident where there are personal injuries or a death they should immediately call 911 for emergency medical help. When you call 911 the police or highway patrol will also be summoned to the scene.

Observe the Scene and Write Down What Happened

It is important to write down what happened as soon as possible so you won’t forget any details. What did the other drive have to say? What were the road conditions? What time of day was it? Was it rainy or not? How many passengers were with you and were they hurt? How many passengers were in the other car and were any of them hurt? These are all facts your car accident lawyer will want to know.

Don’t Say You Were at Fault

Even if you were at fault you should never admit this to the other driver. Only give the other driver the information they need to report the accident to their insurance company. This means name, address and vehicle license number. Try to be friendly but don’t say more than is necessary.

Take Pictures

If you have your cell phone with you it is a good idea to take pictures of the accident scene. You can also record it with your video recorder. Take a picture of the damages to your car and to the other car.

Talk to Witnesses

If people are around that saw the accident happen, ask them what they saw. You should write it down or record what they say with your phone. Be sure to get their names and contact information.

Get Medical Help

Never refuse medical help, even if you don’t feel like you were hurt badly. You never know how your injuries can manifest later. Getting medical help will give you proof of injury too.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Report your accident as soon as possible to your insurance provider. Contact a car accident attorney when someone has sustained a personal injury in the accident or when you believe a wrongful death attorney may be of help.